#03397 Angel Planells

The composition presents a still life arrangement imbued with unsettling surrealism. Here we observe three distinct elements set against a backdrop that transitions from a dusky orange-brown at the base to a deep teal blue overhead. The central object is a roughly formed paper bag, rendered in muted beige tones and marked with an enigmatic black emblem resembling a stylized arrow or dagger. Its form suggests containment, yet its fragility implies vulnerability.
Flanking this bag are two human eyes, depicted with startling realism. One eye, positioned to the left, dominates the foreground due to its size and proximity; its iris is a vivid green, drawing immediate attention. The other eye, smaller and situated on the right, appears more distant and less detailed. Both eyes cast shadows that contribute to the painting’s overall sense of depth and drama. A small, indistinct object – possibly a fragment of bone or another organic material – rests near the larger eye, further enhancing the unsettling nature of the scene.
The lighting is dramatic, originating from an unseen source above and slightly to the left, creating strong contrasts between light and shadow. This enhances the three-dimensionality of the objects while simultaneously contributing to a feeling of unease and mystery. The limited color palette – primarily earth tones and teal – reinforces this somber mood.
Subtextually, the painting seems to explore themes of perception, mortality, and perhaps even confinement. The eyes, traditionally symbols of sight and awareness, are presented in an isolated and disembodied state, suggesting a loss or disruption of vision or understanding. The paper bag could be interpreted as representing fragility, protection, or imprisonment – a vessel holding something precious or dangerous. The inclusion of the unidentified object near one eye introduces a note of decay and mortality.
The overall effect is one of psychological tension; the juxtaposition of realistic detail with bizarre arrangement generates an atmosphere that is both captivating and disturbing. It resists easy interpretation, inviting viewers to contemplate the symbolic weight of its elements and their relationship to broader existential concerns.